Using smart tv in unsmart mode

baza52

Norman_Castle wrote: »

Changing the wifi channel and moving the router around the room to the extent of its cable shouldn't take long and is worth trying.

A weak signal will still give the tv a connection, it depends on what apps they would use.
I would at least try the wifi before buying homeplugs.

Edit, quoted wrong post...

Should have quoted this

Except the OP has stated the wifi signal is weak and doesn't want the upheaval of it.

Home plugs are a solution, no upheaval involved.

thescouselander

flashg67 wrote: »

Had a bad experience have we? Not found that to be the case with my LG - 2014 model still getting app updates....

Yes, several times over in fact. Panasonic and Sony seem to be worst but my impression is the TV manufacturers just don't get need for updates and are more concerned with getting consumers to upgrade more often. Better to have a separate box IMO.

baza52

thescouselander wrote: »

Yes, several times over in fact. Panasonic and Sony seem to be worst but my impression is the TV manufacturers just don't get need for updates and are more concerned with getting consumers to upgrade more often. Better to have a separate box IMO.

My Samsung TV is still getting regular updates to all the on demand services etc.

How can you be sure the provider of your "box" will continue to be updated?

Lumstorm

baza52 wrote: »

My Samsung TV is still getting regular updates to all the on demand services etc.

How can you be sure the provider of your "box" will continue to be updated?

You can't guarantee that updates will continue but you can upgrade the box rather than replace the whole TV. I don't use the smart functions of my LG TV because the only app that it has of interest to me is Netflix and that's available on my PS3, PS4, Blu-Ray Player and Roku box that are all connected.

baza52

Lumstorm wrote: »

You can't guarantee that updates will continue but you can upgrade the box rather than replace the whole TV. I don't use the smart functions of my LG TV because the only app that it has of interest to me is Netflix and that's available on my PS3, PS4, Blu-Ray Player and Roku box that are all connected.

To be pedantic, most smart TV;s run Linux apps so if you can root the tv like you can root other devices the possibilities are endless.

Just to add, the only apps I use on my TV are catchup services. For most people that's enough to warrant a smart TV without the need for other kit.

DCFC79

baza52 wrote: »

A weak signal will still give the tv a connection, it depends on what apps they would use.
I would at least try the wifi before buying homeplugs.

Yes of course, I was going on what the OP posted or the son was advising the OP.

googler

thescouselander wrote: »

Yes, several times over in fact. Panasonic and Sony seem to be worst but my impression is the TV manufacturers just don't get need for updates and are more concerned with getting consumers to upgrade more often. Better to have a separate box IMO.

Based on your experience with ... how many Panasonics and Sonys?

[Deleted User]

Don't bother. Get the best 'dumb' TV you can, then if you want to make it smart, add an Apple TV/Roku/ChromeCast/Amazon Fire TV (Stick)

I NEVER use the smart features of my TV. It's 4 years old. It's slow, it's annoying and they've got rid of the few decent features.

However, I love my Amazon Fire Stick. Cost £30ish, lets me use Netflix/Amazon video/Youtube/Iplayer ect.

Spend the money on a better display, rather than 'smart' features.

thescouselander

googler wrote: »

Based on your experience with ... how many Panasonics and Sonys?

Directly - I've had two pannys and one Sony that have suffered this problem and my dad has a Sony that is similarly affected. More widely friends and colleagues have noticed the same problem.

The lack of manufacturer support for smart TVs is well known and it comes up in the news occasionally - just one example below.

http://dailym.ai/1ojRmI9

dipsomaniac

baza52 wrote: »

that's not very smart

can you elaborate?